Everything that Changes in Germany in December 2024
Changes in Germany in December 2024
December brings a lot of changes in Germany, which include train services, public holidays, tax relief, and new regulations. As the festive season is approaching, all of this will change for the commuters, workers, and residents. Here is a comprehensive overview of Everything that Changes in Germany in December 2024.
Train Services and Tickets
1) Riedbahn Reopening
Good news for rail commuters: the Riedbahn, an important railway link between Frankfurt and Mannheim, will reopen on December 15th after closure for reconstruction since July 15th. This blocked major route led to far-reaching rail replacement bus services and diversions throughout Germany. The opening up will now welcome passengers to less painful and more hassle-free travel.
2) Faster Travel Between Hamburg and Berlin
One of the high points for commutators and passengers is also that travel times between Hamburg and Berlin will return to normal on the long-distance route. Starting December 15th, after which the diversion via Stendal will be abolished again, which had added 45 min to travel time. Another element of refurbishment works is due for completion; the travel time will be back to the usual two hours.
3) Higher Ticket Prices and a New Timetable
Train ticket tariffs are going to change from December, 15 tied to the beginning of Deutsche Bahn’s new winter timetable:
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- Flex tariffs increase by an average by 5.9%.
- Tickets canceled within seven days from their coming into validity will have cancellation fees.
- Commuter tariff with all its tariff strands increases by 5.9 %. However, flexible options like the 10- and 20-journey tickets will be available from DB.
- On the bright side, saver and super saver fares will be unchanged.
New Rail Connections with Winter Timetable:
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- Berlin to Paris Direct Service: On December 16th, this route takes passengers from Paris via Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg, taking eight hours. The daily service leaves Paris at 9:55 AM; Berlin at 11:54 AM.
- Berlin-Frankfurt Sprinter Service: There will be 11 daily services from these cities, so it will take around four hours between them to cover the distance.
- Amsterdam to Munich ICE Route: By a direct service via Stuttgart and Ulm, it will take seven hours of journey time.
Festive Holidays and Public Transport
1) Public Holidays
Christmas Day (December 25th), and Boxing Day, December 26th, are both public holidays throughout the country. Most enterprises, from shops to offices, will be closed. On such days, workers in health sectors shall be provided with compensatory leave. New Year’s Day (January 1st) also falls into the public holiday category when all the shops and offices will shut down.
Although Christmas Eve (December 24th) and New Year’s Eve (December 31st) do not fall on public holidays, companies often allow their employees a half-day or close the whole day. It is good to finalize your pre-festival shopping before noon or 2 PM on these days so as not to face the pressure of last-minute shopping.
2) Christmas Post Deadlines
Deutsche Post has ensured timely arrival of gifts and greetings by setting the following deadlines:
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- December 21st Letters
- December 20th Packages within Germany.
- International deliveries have earlier deadlines.
Except on public holidays and on Christmas Eve, December 23rd and December 30th most Deutsche Post branches will be open.
3) School and Kita Holidays
School and Kita Winter holidays differ from state to state. Most will begin on December 23rd, while Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein will start their break a little earlier.
Tax Relief and Financial Updates
Net salaries of employees can be expected to increase a little in December as the following tax relief measures are still pending:
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- The basic tax-free allowance will rise by €180 to €11,784.
- The child tax-free allowance will rise by €228 to €6,612.
The above changes have already been approved by the Bundestag, but are yet to be confirmed by the Bundesrat. They will be backdated to the beginning of 2024.
Miscellaneous Updates
1) Winter Solstice and Longer Days
The winter solstice falls on December 21st, the shortest day of the year, when the sun rises late and sets early. From December 22nd, days will begin to slowly get longer in advance of brighter times ahead.
2) Rising Costs for Christmas Trees
More significantly, the inflationary factor has pushed the price of Nordmann fir Christmas trees slightly, ranging between €22 and €30 per meter, an additional €1 compared to last year. Supporting local vendors does not only ensure fresher trees but also helps sustain family-run businesses over the festive season.
3) Standardised Charging Cables
Starting December 28th, the EU directive that compels smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices to use USB-C charging cables will be enforced in Germany. It is expected to reduce electronic waste and make charging easier for consumers.
December 2024 will throw both challenges and opportunities before the residents in Germany. Be it better train services, celebrations, or legal evolution, keeping abreast of all these developments will make for a seamless transition into the New Year.
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